TOYBOX KIDS' WISH LISTS USUALLY SHORT, SIMPLE

As the big day approaches, many children have made out their official Christmas wish lists, some complete with catalogue page numbers for handy references.

Nintendo games, bicycles, expensive dolls, roller blades and remote-controlled cars are among the gift requests.

But another group of children have holiday wish lists much less extensive and specific.

Needy children who will receive gifts from Toybox receive very few new things hand-me-downs and cast-offs are the rule. A new toy, no matter what it is, is an unusual circumstance and one to celebrate.

The wish lists of Toybox children often include just one or two items, none too extravagant: a doll, blocks, a tricycle, a stuffed animal, a firetruck, a ball, a wagon.

But the most common note from parents is, "Anything you can give my child will be appreciated."

As the applications continue to arrive, Toybox is looking for toy donations from community members to help make Christmas special.

In less than two weeks, the toys will be delivered to youngsters. The days organizers have to fill those holiday lists are running short.

Toys will be delivered Dec. 17 by a team of Jaycees Santas and helpers.

Toybox is a joint project of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian newspaper.

Applications for Toybox will be accepted at the Salvation Army headquarters, 701 Good Hope, through Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2-4 p.m.

New and unwrapped gifts for children from birth through age 12 may be delivered to any of the following locations: Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, Boatmen's Bank Cape Girardeau locations, Capital Bank Cape Girardeau locations, Commerce Bank, Farm and Home Savings Association, Perry Travel Center, Gulliver's Travel Agency, and West Park Mall.

Donations may be mailed to Toybox Trust, P.O. Box 1626, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-1626, or dropped off at the Southeast Missourian.

For more information, call Kim McDowell at 335-6611 during daytime business hours.